TravPa

Best time to visit Philippines

The best months are January, February, March, and December. Here is what every month is like, and what flights cost lately.

Month by month

December to March is a useful starting point for this Manila, Cebu and El Nido route. PAGASA describes a broadly drier December to May, but rainfall varies by region. Sea conditions can cancel boat trips in any month; keep a land day available.

  1. JanuaryBestTypically 29°C by day, 24°C at night, rain on about 10 days a month
  2. FebruaryBestTypically 30°C by day, 23°C at night, rain on about 8 days a month
  3. MarchBestTypically 32°C by day, 25°C at night, rain on about 9 days a month
  4. AprilGo with a plan: HotTypically 33°C by day, 26°C at night, rain on about 13 days a month
  5. MayGo with a plan: HotTypically 32°C by day, 27°C at night, rain on about 24 days a month
  6. JuneGo with a plan: RainyTypically 30°C by day, 27°C at night, rain on about 29 days a month
  7. JulyGo with a plan: RainyTypically 29°C by day, 27°C at night, rain on about 29 days a month
  8. AugustGo with a plan: RainyTypically 29°C by day, 27°C at night, rain on about 29 days a month
  9. SeptemberGo with a plan: RainyTypically 29°C by day, 26°C at night, rain on about 29 days a month
  10. OctoberGo with a plan: RainyTypically 29°C by day, 26°C at night, rain on about 27 days a month
  11. NovemberGo with a plan: RainyTypically 30°C by day, 25°C at night, rain on about 21 days a month
  12. DecemberBestTypically 29°C by day, 25°C at night, rain on about 20 days a month

Typical weather is for Manila: averages of NASA POWER daily data, 2016 to 2025, on a grid of about 50 km. Mountains and coasts can differ.

Plan the days

Stone arches and red-tiled roof of Magellan's Cross Pavilion in Cebu City.
Magellan's Cross Pavilion stands on Plaza Sugbu in Cebu City. · Adapted from FroyR, Magellan's Cross Pavilion · Adaptation licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Cebu in 2 daysBasilica del Santo Nino, Magellan's Cross, Fort San Pedro, National Museum Cebu, Casa Gorordo, Taoist Temple, Temple of Leah, Tops Cebu2 days, PhilippinesBalanced pace
Turquoise water between limestone cliffs at Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan
Limestone cliffs frame the entrance channel to Big Lagoon on El Nido's Miniloc Island.
El Nido in 3 daysBig Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Nacpan, Lio Beach, Snake Island, Entalula Beach3 days, PhilippinesBalanced pace
Rizal Monument with its bronze figures and granite obelisk in Manila
The Rizal Monument stands among the lawns and trees of Rizal Park in Manila. · Reference photograph: National Parks Development Committee, public domain. Adapted.
Manila in 3 daysFort Santiago, Casa Manila, National Museum, Rizal Park, Binondo, Ayala Museum, Bonifacio High Street3 days, PhilippinesBalanced pace
Turquoise water between limestone cliffs at Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan
Limestone cliffs frame the entrance channel to Big Lagoon on El Nido's Miniloc Island.
Philippines in 10 daysIntramuros, National Museum Manila, Cebu City, Cebu highlands, El Nido, Big Lagoon, Nacpan, Clark10 days, PhilippinesBalanced pace